Mesothelioma Clinical Trials: What Could They Mean for You?

When you are first met with a mesothelioma diagnosis, it can be hard to regain your footing. All of the sudden you have to make some very important choices about your health and your finances with little time to do the research. One of the biggest questions that you may encounter is whether or not to participate in research studies known as clinical trials. But your health isn’t something that you gamble with so easily, so it is crucial that you understand just what benefits and risks are associated with clinical trials and what participation would mean to you and your family.

Clinical trials are research studies that are designed to improve treatment options and prevention methods for a disease. Not only will you receive treatment that isn’t yet offered by their your physician, but they you are also taking part in a study that will help improve treatment outcomes for future mesothelioma patients. 

Currently, a mesothelioma diagnosis is still plagued by low survival rates. A patient who is newly diagnosed can typically expect a survival rate between six months and two years. But by entering into a clinical trial, you could be offered the breakthrough treatment that could make all the difference your fight against mesothelioma. 

As for the risks associated with clinical trials, there really aren’t that many. Each clinical trial must be registered and subject to regulations by the government, medical industry and scientists alike. The research study is designed to further existing scientific research and the clinical trial represents the last step in a lengthy process of preliminary laboratory research and experiments. The process is strictly regulated under a specific set of guidelines and limitations to test for a specific outcome.

Patients who enter into mesothelioma clinical trials typically have most if not all of their medical treatments paid for by various organizations. The National Cancer Institute is the largest funding source for clinical trials and covers a large portion of thousands of clinical trials currently underway.

If you have been recently diagnosed with mesothelioma and are interested in taking part in a clinical trial, speak with your physician to find out if you are eligible. Participation is completely voluntary and patients are allowed to withdraw at any time. The website, www.clinicaltrials.gov, has a listing of both federally and privately funded clinical trials including 169 mesothelioma related trials. Visit the site to find out which trials are currently enrolling new patients and eligibility criteria for enrollment.

Baron and Budd is a sponsor of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and an avid supporter of mesothelioma clinical trials. The firm encourages mesothelioma patients and their families to learn more about the various mesothelioma trials to determine what avenue of treatment is best suited for them.

To learn more about Baron and Budd, visit here.